menace

1[countable,usually singular]menace (to somebody/something)a person or thing that causes, or may cause, serious damage, harm or dangersynonymthreata new initiative aimed at beating the menace of illegal drugsThe communists remain a potential menace to the stability of the government.

2[uncountable]an atmosphere that makes you feel threatened or frighteneda sense/an air/a hint of menace in his voiceSee related entries:Fear

4menaces[plural](law,British English)threats that somebody will cause harm if they do not get what they are asking forto demand money with menaces

Word OriginMiddle English: via Old French from late Latinminacia, from Latinminax, minac-

‘threatening’

, from minae

‘threats’

.Extra examplesHe’s a menace to society.If paroled he will become a menace to society.Local traders are struggling to combat the menace of armed robbery.The scar down his face added to his air of menace.They have become a public menace.a new and alien menace to our agricultureeyes glittering with menacethe growing menace of drugsthe menace posed by car fumesThe government’s new initiative is aimed at beating the menace of illegal drugs.The protesters remain a potential menace to the stability of the government.